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Mock Draft Roundup 7.0: Todd McShay Projects Combine Standout to Ravens

030923-MDR

WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State

1) WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State

Todd McShay, ESPN

"When your WR room records a league-low 1,517 receiving yards and 29th-ranked seven TD catches, and you're also trying to appeal to your unsigned franchise quarterback, you have to take a close look at the receivers in the draft class. Teams got that on Saturday in Indianapolis, and Smith-Njigba was a standout. We hadn't seen him on the field since his 2022 season ended in October after three games, thanks to a hamstring injury, but he didn't appear hampered by it during the combine workouts. He showcased his precise route running, soft hands and ability to accelerate upfield. Smith-Njigba might have missed most of 2022, but he did have 1,606 receiving yards in 2021 -- more than all of the Ravens' receivers combined for last season. Now I'm fired up to see JSN run at the Ohio State pro day on March 22."

WR Zay Flowers, Boston College

2) WR Zay Flowers, FSU

"Whoever's at quarterback this coming season in Baltimore, the Ravens need a wideout who can get open and make challenging catches outside of his frame. Flowers fits the bill."

Dane Brugler, The Athletic

"'We're going to keep swinging.' That was the short version of the answer by Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta when asked about drafting wide receivers. Flowers is a smaller target (5-9, 182), which isn't ideal, but he is a savvy and sudden competitor with the route pacing to create space for his quarterback."

"Boston College's Zay Flowers may be another undersized option (5'9", 182 lbs.), but he's instant offense any time he touches the ball."

WR Jordan Addison, USC

**WR Jordan Addison, USC**

Addison has average height and a narrow frame for the position. He lines up outside and in the slot. He is a very smooth, polished route runner, routinely changing tempo and efficiently getting in/out of the break point. He has excellent play speed and can find another gear when the ball is in the air. He has natural hands and doesn't need to gather himself before catching the ball on crossers. He can high point the ball when working back to the QB, but has to get stronger on 50/50 balls. After the catch, he has excellent burst and wiggle. Overall, Addison should become a high-volume pass catcher very early in his pro career.

"Whether or not Lamar Jackson stays in Baltimore, the Ravens need to continue to build their offensive supporting cast. Jordan Addison didn't have the most explosive combine, but he's a good football player that would give Baltimore some much-needed depth."

CB Cam Smith, South Carolina

South Carolina defensive back Cam Smith (9) defends Charlotte wide receiver Grant DuBose (14) during an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, in Columbia, S.C. South Carolina won 56-20.

"Smith is the press-man cornerback the Ravens will gravitate to during the pre-draft process. They have to get younger at that position with a supreme talent."

CB Kelee Ringo, Georgia

**CB Kelee Ringo, Georgia**

Ringo is a tall, thick cornerback prospect with outstanding straight-line speed. I love his blend of size, speed and competitiveness, but he has issues with tightness and doesn't always find the football. In press coverage, he carries his hands low, and if he allows a clean release, he is susceptible to inside cuts, especially slants. He has plenty of speed to carry vertical routes. He flashes big-time ball skills (see: his pick-six to sew up the 2021 national championship game), but in 2022, he had issues locating the ball in the air, resulting in multiple big plays and touchdowns allowed. He is very physical as a tackler against the run. Overall, Ringo is a work in progress. His success will depend on what he's asked to do at the next level. I wouldn't rule out a move to safety.

"What better way to potentially replace a big, physical corner like Marcus Peters than with a big, physical corner like Ringo ... though he's not the takeaway machine Peters is. Conversely, Peters isn't going to run 4.36, either."

EDGE Nolan Smith, Georgia

Georgia linebacker Nolan Smith (4) rushes the passer in the first half of a NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022 in Athens, Ga.

"Giving the Ravens two edge rushers who can run a 4.3 40… that's some speed."

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